VOL.1_Sasaki Furniture Design Laboratory | Keisuke Sasaki
In "CRAFT journal," we visit creators who share our vision and produce elements or backdrops that enrich our lives.
For Vol. 1, we visited the workshop of furniture craftsman Keisuke Sasaki to learn about his approach to materials, the beauty born from his handcraft, and his thoughts on 0 STOCK TOKYO's clothing.
Amidst the refreshing breeze of new greenery, we opened the door to a room in Aoba Ward, Yokohama City.
A 0 STOCK TOKYO shirt draped over a chair, along with furniture that retained its dignified presence through past and future, was bathed in the gentle sunlight filtering through the curtains. "CRAFT journal" explores the intersection between artists and clothing.
For our first issue, we visit the atelier of Keisuke Sasaki, who creates furniture as Sasaki Furniture Design Institute.
_A "furniture laboratory" where centuries-old and modern designs harmonize
The first thing that caught my eye was a very simply designed oak wardrobe. No music was playing in the room; only the chirping of birds could be heard from outside the window.
"This wardrobe was designed 15 years ago when I was still training under my master. It uses the traditional Japanese wooden joinery techniques of temple carpenters, with the surface planed smooth using traditional Japanese planes, and finished in its natural, uncolored wood grain, similar to what is seen at Ise Grand Shrine. The back panel inside is covered with discontinued fabric by textile designer William Morris."
The feel is smooth and supple. It's hard to believe 15 years have passed; the wood feels as fresh and warm as if it were still alive.
Mr. Sasaki grew up playing in the forests and seas of Iwate Prefecture, then studied architecture before training for 8 years under a furniture craftsman in Gifu.
Before becoming independent, he traveled for two months through 26 countries, including 12 in Europe, 2 in North Africa, Turkey, Israel, India, and Mexico.
In Mr. Sasaki's atelier, which he calls a "furniture laboratory," alongside his own framed photos, chairs, and tables, there are pieces such as a cabinet designed by René Gabriel of France in 1945, a chair by Axel Einar Hjorth of Sweden, a candelabra by Erik Hoglund, also of Sweden, and a Gothic panel carving estimated to have been made in the 1700s.
All the furnishings, including the wardrobe, emanated a strong presence yet complemented each other's individuality, forming a cohesive space.
"What I value in furniture design is harmony. People have favorite beautiful things, such as paintings, photographs, or other beloved furniture. I try to subtract elements from the design so that the furniture blends into and complements that lifestyle. I'm not an expert in clothing, but the timeless design of 0 STOCK TOKYO's shirts and pants, conveyed through their details, resonates with me. That's why I think they fit naturally into this space, alongside vintage pieces from generations ago and multicultural/multi-era furniture."
As Mr. Sasaki spoke, his eyes reflected a flexible sensibility that equally appreciates the beauty of cultures from around the world, and a perspective that views things on a scale of over 100 years.
_Craftsmanship that can be lived with without reservation
Ten minutes by car from the atelier. In a forest with clear air that makes you want to spread your arms and take a deep breath, lay Mr. Sasaki's workshop.
The renovated factory site with a high ceiling, which he remodeled himself during the state of emergency in 2020, housed parts for custom-made furniture to be exhibited at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, and furniture in its final stages of finishing for this month's exhibition.
Amidst the roar of a large, now-defunct Japanese machine and a mist of teak wood shavings, Mr. Sasaki carved wood.
"Until now, I would buy and replace clothes for one season that I didn't mind getting dirty, but I was looking for tough, durable clothes that I could wear on site for many years. These 0 STOCK TOKYO clothes are not easily soiled, and wood shavings brush right off. They don't wrinkle. I can wear the same clothes from the workshop to a restaurant and still look neat, without having to worry. I believe furniture, too, is only truly complete not upon delivery, but when it's been well-used and settled into someone's life."
Beautifully grained teak and rosewood, expensive timbers Mr. Sasaki is about to work on, line the wall.
By building a good long-term relationship with a supplier that dates back to the Edo period, he is able to secure high-quality timber, which is otherwise difficult to obtain.
"I believe it's the same for any kind of craftsmanship: materials are crucial. Weight. Feel. And durability. Like the vintage pieces in my atelier, wooden furniture can be used across generations. I hope the furniture I create can also be enjoyed as it ages, and spend a long time with people in their respective lives. As for clothes, I think I've always wanted the reassurance that they can be washed many times without issue. These clothes, no matter how hard I wear them, never stretch or shrink. I finally found them. I feel that way after spending my days in 0 STOCK TOKYO clothes."
Mr. Sasaki said he wants to approach each piece of furniture-making without specific future plans or desires. The gentle "pauses" in his conversation and the repeated expressions of "joy" that sprang from his pure smile left a strong impression.
Surely, furniture crafted by such a person must embody a calm and rich atmosphere.
While contemplating this as I watched his broad back conversing with the wood, a cat came to play in the workshop. Mr. Sasaki greeted it with a smile, then picked up his tools and began carving wood again.
By experiencing the furniture and the entire space with all five senses, I was able to deeply connect with Mr. Sasaki's fundamental craftsmanship. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
______________________________________________
Sasaki Furniture Design Institute
Keisuke Sasaki
Born in Iwate Prefecture in 1988.
After studying architecture at Utsunomiya University, he learned woodworking techniques at a furniture manufacturing company in Gifu Prefecture. In April 2020, he opened Sasaki Furniture Design Institute in Aoba Ward, Yokohama City. He primarily creates furniture and sculptures using solid oak and teak.
https://www.instagram.com/research_institute_sasaki/